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The UK’s landmark light art biennial will transform Durham once again, from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November 2025.
The remarkable programme of light artworks from international and UK artists has been announced today, with major new commissions, premieres, and community collaborations. It will transform Durham into an illuminated city-wide art gallery and for the first time will also cast its spotlight on Shildon.
Lumiere will take place over three evenings, from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November, 17:00-22:00 each night, and audiences will encounter a dazzling line-up of installations and experiences, ranging from large-scale spectaculars to intimate moments of reflection.
Lumiere is produced and curated by Artichoke and commissioned by Durham County Council, with additional support from Arts Council England, North East Combined Authority, Durham University and a raft of sponsors and funders.
Since its beginnings in 2009, Lumiere is now recognised internationally as the UK’s light art biennial inspiring light shows and festivals up and down the UK. Over the years, it has welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors and delivered £43m of economic impact. Its significance extends across the global light art community.
Spotlight on Shildon
This year’s “Spotlight on Durham” falls on Shildon, currently celebrating the 200th anniversary as home of the first railway station and passenger service. Two new commissions reflect on this history at Locomotion.
Newcastle-based NOVAK (UK) return to Lumiere with Alight, a celebration of 200 years of railway heritage through a spectacular projection-mapped artwork at Locomotion, telling a story of connection and imagination inspired by the world’s first railways. Also at Locomotion, Iron Horse Junction by Hannah Fox (UK), created with Durham Academy students, offers a whimsical signal-box journey through 200 years of railway history, blending light, sound and original heritage objects.
You may also like the following events from Locomotion:
Also check out other
Arts events in Tipton,
Festivals in Tipton.
